Tree shaker

Abstract

A device operable for engagement with selected tree portions to convert rotary motion to a linear shaking motion for use in a fruit harvesting operation. The tree shaker includes tree gripping elements with a motion converter operatively connected thereto, the motion converter including a rotary mass having an input drive thereto operable to displace the mass in a first direction with control means to effect a counter-rotation of the mass in response to the first direction displacement, whereby the combination drive control results in a linear reciprocating motion of the mass which is transferred to the associated gripping means for shaking the tree portion. The apparatus can include a single motion converter for use in shaking a tree or limb or a pair of motion converters for use in shaking a tree trunk or a large tree limb. When a pair of motion converters are utilized the control means is operable for driving both converter means at the same speed and in phase to obtain a constant linear reciprocating shaking motion, or is operable for driving the two motion converters at different speeds such that the phase angle between the two converters is continuously changing to provide a continuously variable shaking action.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Tree shaking apparatus comprising: (a) a frame, said frame comprising a pair of pivotally connected arms, each arm having a gripping element thereon, said arms being moveable about said pivotable connection to move said gripping elements into and out of gripping engagement;   (b) motion converter means operatively associated with the gripping element of each arm, said motion converter means comprising an input drive shaft, a portion of said shaft being eccentric to the axis of said drive shaft, a rotatable mass rotatably received around said eccentric shaft portion, a first sprocket secured to said rotary mass and received around said eccentric shaft portion, a second sprocket secured against rotation adjacent said first sprocket and a double chain connecting said sprockets, whereby rotation of said drive shaft causes said first sprocket to move in a direction counter thereto, following a path around said second sprocket; and   (c) power means located at the pivotal connection of said arms, said power means being operatively associated with the drive shafts of said motion converter means.   
     
     
       2. Tree shaking apparatus comprising: (a) a frame;   (b) means located on said frame for gripping a tree portion in holding engagement;   (c) motion converter means operatively associated with said tree gripping means, said motion converter means comprising an input drive shaft, a portion of said shaft being eccentric to the axis of said drive shaft, a rotatable mass rotatably received around said eccentric shaft portion and eccentric drive connection means received around said eccentric shaft portion and being secured to said mass, said drive connection means having a track means to cause the drive connection means to rotate counter to the direction of rotation of said shaft; and   (d) power means for operating said motion converter means, said power means being operatively associated with said drive shaft.   
     
     
       3. Tree shaking apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said frame comprises an elongated member having an offset at an end, said offset having a first stationary gripping element thereat and a second movable gripping element thereat, said movable gripping element having means associated therewith, for moving said element toward and away from said stationary element. 
     
     
       4. Tree shaking apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said frame comprises a pair of pivotally connected arms, each arm having a gripping element thereon, said arms being movable about said pivotal connection to move said gripping elements into and out of gripping engagement. 
     
     
       5. Tree shaking apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said power means is located at said pivotal connection and wherein each arm has a motion converter producing means. 
     
     
       6. Tree shaking apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said eccentric drive connection means comprises a planet gear received for rotation around said eccentric portion of said shaft and secured to said mass and a sun gear secured around a further portion of said shaft and being in meshing relationship with said planet gear.